Looking for a quick and delicious dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests? Look no further than this mouthwatering Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad! With its creamy mayonnaise dressing, crispy bacon, and vibrant peas, this American classic is the perfect side dish for any gathering or a satisfying meal on its own. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this easy recipe and discover how to elevate your pasta salad game!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 cup peas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta, 4 strips of bacon, 1 cup of peas, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the 8 ounces of pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, place the 4 strips of bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it is crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Flip the bacon occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before chopping it into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, add 1 cup of peas and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are heated through. If using frozen peas, there is no need to thaw them beforehand.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sautéed peas, chopped bacon, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Gently mix all the ingredients together until the pasta is well coated with the mayonnaise and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to incorporate the seasonings.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for short pasta shapes like rotini or penne, which hold the dressing and ingredients better than long strands.
- Cook Bacon to Perfection: For extra flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon and render it slowly over medium heat for a crispy texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a lighter salad, reduce the amount of mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Garnish for Presentation: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
